Understanding Addiction – Neurologically, Physically, Socially, Emotionally
$45.00
In a recent survey, it’s estimated over 65% of adults have experienced addiction, or been affected by a loved one with addiction. This training will be a crash course in explaining what addiction is, what factors cause addiction, and what you as a clinician can do when working with someone who may have a drinking or drug problem. We will explore various theories and myths about addiction, as well as evidence-based interventions and approaches to treatment through lectures, videos, group discussions, and case studies.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the core concepts of addiction
- Differentiate and develop treatment approaches based on the models of addiction
- Analyze how addiction affects the family and discuss treatment interventions at the individual and family level
- Apply learning to case studies & develop a support plan
Social workers completing this course receive 3 General/Substance Specific asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of General Skill Building, Clinical, and Substance Specific continuing education training.
Course Instructor: Ashley Esry, LCSW, LCAS
Recording Date: 8/09/2024
Recorded Live Webinar with downloadable presentation slides and/or handouts, evaluation, and a required quiz. The learner is required to pass with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test until a satisfactory score is achieved. CE Training Workshops, LLC, provider #1770, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/2/2022 – 8/2/2025. CE Training Workshops, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE Training Workshops, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device. For more information about our policies and board approval statements, please visit our FAQS page.
Ashley Esry, LCAS, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate in North Carolina and has 10+ years in Clinical Practice and using IFS and Attachment theories in working with clients.
Understanding Addiction – Neurologically, Physically, Socially, Emotional (3 HR) Syllabus
I. Defining Addiction
- Addiction as a chronic, relapsing brain disease (per NIDA)
- Compulsive use despite harmful consequences
- Distinction between use, abuse, and addiction
- Substance impact on brain structure and long-term behavior changes
II. Neurobiological Foundations
- Role of dopamine in reward and habit formation
- Serotonin’s influence on impulse control and stress regulation
- Brain regions impacted: prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, amygdala
- Addiction rewires the brain’s pleasure and decision-making circuits
III. The Cycle of Addiction
- Emotional trigger → craving → ritual → use → guilt → trigger
- The shame-stigma loop reinforcing anxiety and compulsive behaviors
- Physical, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of the addiction cycle
IV. Diagnostic Criteria and Severity
- DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorder (11-point checklist)
- Categories: mild (2–3), moderate (4–5), severe (6+)
- Role of tolerance, withdrawal, and functional impairment
- NIAA guidelines for heavy/binge drinking by gender
V. Models of Addiction
- Biological: genetic and neurochemical basis
- Psychodynamic: unresolved childhood trauma and coping mechanisms
- Social learning: behavioral conditioning and cognitive processes
- Moral: addiction as moral failing or lack of willpower
- Disease: chronic condition rooted in brain dysfunction
VI. Impact on Family Systems
- Substance use disorder as a family disease
- Common family roles: enabler, scapegoat, hero, lost child, mascot
- Enabling, denial, justification, and avoidance behaviors
- Multigenerational patterns and survival dynamics
VII. Family-Centered Treatment Approaches
- Continuum from parent-only treatment to family-centered care
- Importance of addressing all family members in planning
- Support resources: Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Adult Children of Alcoholics
- Frameworks: Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory
VIII. Screening and Intervention Tools
- SBIRT model: Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment
- Tools: AUDIT, ASSIST, MAST, S2BI, 5Ps for pregnant clients
- Motivational interviewing principles: empathy, discrepancy, self-efficacy
- Use of client insight and collaboration in brief interventions
IX. Treatment Options and Continuum of Care
- Detox, inpatient, outpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, 12-step
- Collaborative treatment planning tailored to severity and readiness
- Emphasis on stages of change, support systems, and long-term recovery
X. Case Study and Practical Application
- Application of models to real-world case scenarios
- Development of support plans for youth and family systems
- Integrating trauma-informed, developmental, and cultural perspectives
- Reflective discussion and model selection based on case needs
